When January comes, I only post once a month, for those who continue to do Office Buddy or Secret Pal gift-giving. So yes, I’ll still post my gift ideas, but no, you won’t be inundated with unwanted emails and tweets about Secret Pal gift ideas. (Nobody likes an overloaded inbox, right?)

My first post actually looks forward to next month’s February “Secret Pal” or “Office Buddy” gift idea. How do you give your Secret Pal a February gift without seeming too romantic in lieu of Valentine’s Day? Focus instead on Groundhog Day! Bake your Secret Pal some Groundhog Day cupcakes with just a few brown M&M’s, a box of chocolate cake mix, and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

Or, if you don’t have a box of chocolate cake on hand, here’s a recipe from Bakerella (see her website for some great step-by-step pictures and tips):

So your secret pal teacher friend has been having a tough time getting through his school days?

He needs a little sunshine in his life! Why not make these wonderful sun cupcakes I found on Pinterest? (That link will take you to the right page so you can re-pin, follow, or visit the original designer.)

Here’s a little springtime poem you can include with your cupcake:

When the sky is clear

We know spring is near

May this little sun

Bring you lots of fun

And plenty of springtime cheer

Remember, if you use my stuff, it’s always nice to show your appreciation! Like it. Tweet it. Tell a friend. Thanks!

For January’s gift idea, how about these “melting” snowman cupcakes? This idea comes from Cake Central, where you can find some pretty amazing cake-making ideas. I stumbled across it via Pinterest though.

I can imagine filling a gift basket with Easter “grass” and plunking these guys on top of the greenery. Then maybe tape a little orange cardstock “sun” to the basket’s handle, to show that the snowmen are melting. How cute would that be?